Every February 22nd, Argentina commemorates Argentine Antarctica Day, a date that marks our country's uninterrupted presence on the white continent since 1904.

On that day, more than a century ago, the national flag was raised for the first time on Laurie Island, in the South Orkney Islands, when the Meteorological Observatory was inaugurated, which would later become the current Orkney Base. Since then, Argentina has maintained a continuous presence in the region, consolidating a state policy based on sovereignty, science, and international cooperation.

Argentina's Antarctic activity has been characterized by its scientific vocation and its commitment to understanding the southernmost environment on the planet. For some time now, the country has been conducting research in areas such as climate change, marine ecosystems, geology, glaciology, and biodiversity, providing strategic information to the international community.

The Argentine Antarctic Sector covers approximately 1,461,597 km² and has thirteen bases—six permanent and seven temporary—that enable scientific, logistical, and technical tasks to be carried out throughout the year. There, members of the Armed Forces, scientists, and specialized personnel work in extreme conditions to ensure the continuity of the national presence.

Argentine Antarctic Day reaffirms the State's commitment to defending national interests on the white continent, scientific development, and environmental preservation, pillars that form part of a policy that has been sustained throughout more than 120 years of history.